Short answer: the Genelec 8320A. It ranks #8 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $1,700; the JBL 705P ranks #42, rated 3.9/5, and costs $2,198, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The JBL 705P is the deeper-bass choice. ASR’s data gives bass reaching -3dB around 48Hz and a 6.71 ideal-subwoofer preference score. Its bass reaches about 47.6Hz before falling 3dB, against 67.4Hz for the Genelec 8320A. The catch: The standalone score is 4.70, and a localized cancellation near 750Hz contributes to the large 7.8dB midrange response span.
The Genelec 8320A is the more accurate pick. A measured 1.6dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz and preference scores of 5.52 standalone and 8.04 with an ideal subwoofer support accurate close-range monitoring. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.52 against 4.70 for the JBL 705P. The tradeoff: The -3dB point is about 67Hz, making a subwoofer important for lower bass and giving the larger 8330A a practical advantage without one.
Buy the Genelec 8320A. It is rated higher for sound quality than the JBL 705P and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 705P | Genelec 8320A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,198 per pair | $1,700 per pair |
| Ranked | #42 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #8 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 47.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38.9Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 53.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 10.6”H x 5.9”W x 10.8”D (268 x 151 x 274 mm) | 9.5”H x 5.9”W x 5.6”D (242 x 151 x 142 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 36kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 55Hz-23kHz -6dB |
| Weight | 12.6 lbs (5.7 kg) each | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each |
| Drivers | 5” woofer, 2409H 1” compression driver | 0.75” metal dome tweeter, 4.1” cone woofer |
| App | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) | 100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.70 | 5.52 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.71 | 8.04 |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo (analog), XLR AES3 (digital) | XLR |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | ported |
| Warranty | - | 2 years (5 with product registration) |
| Country | - | Finland |
| Maximum SPL | - | Peak 107dB (manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Genelec 8320A compares with other leading options:
- Genelec 8320A vs Genelec 8331A
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8320A
- Genelec 8030C vs Genelec 8320A
- Neumann KH80 DSP vs Genelec 8320A
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs Genelec 8320A
Prices on this page were last checked October 7, 2026 at 9:25 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL 705P: $2,198 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the JBL 708P (larger bookshelf, rated 4.2/5).
Pros: ASR’s data gives bass reaching -3dB around 48Hz and a 6.71 ideal-subwoofer preference score. Its waveguided compression driver and dedicated amplification are suited to studio use, and the broad response trend is close to level. It has useful low-frequency reach for a five-inch monitor. Measured bass extension of 47.6Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The standalone score is 4.70, and a localized cancellation near 750Hz contributes to the large 7.8dB midrange response span. A crossover-region rise also prevents reference-flat reproduction. An average flat trend does not erase these features, and amplifier wattage is not a measured clean-SPL rating. The data does not support calling it uniformly flat simply because it shares technology with larger JBL models.
Full JBL 705P review and specifications →
| AES Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38.9Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 47.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 10.6”H x 5.9”W x 10.8”D (268 x 151 x 274 mm) |
| Drivers | 5” woofer, 2409H 1” compression driver |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 36kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo (analog), XLR AES3 (digital) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.70 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.71 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 12.6 lbs (5.7 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Genelec 8320A: $1,700 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Genelec 8330A (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.5/5), the Genelec 8340A (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.4/5) and the Genelec 8350A (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.5/5).
Pros: A measured 1.6dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz and preference scores of 5.52 standalone and 8.04 with an ideal subwoofer support accurate close-range monitoring. The waveguide helps control the balance between direct and reflected sound. GLM room calibration is useful for matching levels and placement in a compact setup. Measured bass extension of 67.4Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The -3dB point is about 67Hz, making a subwoofer important for lower bass and giving the larger 8330A a practical advantage without one. Calibration hardware is sold separately. The small woofer limits its intended listening distance and bass output; a favorable response-fit parameter is not evidence that it has uniquely well-damped bass or unusually high headroom.
Full Genelec 8320A review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Country | Finland |
| Dimensions | 9.5”H x 5.9”W x 5.6”D (242 x 151 x 142 mm) |
| Drivers | 0.75” metal dome tweeter, 4.1” cone woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz-23kHz -6dB |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Maximum SPL | Peak 107dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.52 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.04 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Warranty | 2 years (5 with product registration) |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons